President of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Calls for Calm Amid Violent Protests in Charlottesville

August 12, 2017

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, of Galveston-Houston,
President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued the
following statement in response to the violent protests in
Charlottesville, Virginia that has left three dead and at least 19
injured.

Cardinal DiNardo's full statement follows:

"On
behalf of the bishops of the United States, I join leaders from around
the nation in condemning the violence and hatred that have now led to
one death and multiple injuries in Charlottesville, Virginia. We offer
our prayers for the family and loved ones of the person who was killed
and for all those who have been injured. We join our voices to all
those calling for calm.

The abhorrent acts of hatred on display
in Charlottesville are an attack on the unity of our nation and
therefore summon us all to fervent prayer and peaceful action. The
bishops stand with all who are oppressed by evil ideology and entrust
all who suffer to the prayers of St.Peter Claver as we approach his
feast day. We also stand ready to work with all people of goodwill for
an end to racial violence and for the building of peace in our
communities.

Last year a Task Force of our Bishops Conference
under Archbishop Wilton Gregory proposed prayers and resources to work
for unity and harmony in our country and in our Church. I am
encouraging the bishops to continue that work especially as the Feast of
St. Peter Claver approaches."

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